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Devastation emerges in Mindanao after powerful earthquake
Emergency teams in the southern Philippines are assessing the damage after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Mindanao island on Monday, killing at least 37 people and injuring nearly 500. Hundreds of aftershocks continue to rattle the region, hampering rescue efforts.
Rescue operations face challenges
Bernardo Alejandro, assistant secretary of the disaster response agency, told local radio that search and rescue remains the top priority. Nearly 2,000 homes and 6,000 schools have been damaged, with many areas still lacking power and phone service.
Access to some towns, including Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental, is severely limited after landslides buried roads. Mayor Jason John Joyce said relief supplies must be airlifted to remote villages.
Tsunami warnings and widespread panic
The quake triggered tsunami alerts across Indonesia and Japan, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate coastal areas. In Mindanao, residents described scenes of terror as buildings collapsed and children fled schools.
Ramel Pato, a construction worker in Polomolok, recalled the moment the ground shook while he was dropping his children off at school. "Children started running and crying," he told the BBC. "It's not the first time I've experienced this, but it was the strongest."
Survivors recount harrowing moments
Cesar Sundo, a teacher in Lebak, said the quake felt like "being rocked on a hammock for over two minutes." Thousands of students screamed as the shaking intensified, but most were outside for a flag ceremony when the tremors began.
"We were literally saved by our flag ceremony. Everyone was outside when it struck."
Cesar Sundo, public school teacher
Science minister Renato Solidum noted that students were fortunate to be outdoors during the morning assembly, a routine held every Monday.
Infrastructure damage and government response
Videos circulating online showed a Jollibee fast-food branch collapsing in General Santos City. The company confirmed all staff in affected areas are safe. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has mobilized government resources, with top officials flying to Mindanao to coordinate relief efforts.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa reported that aftershocks, some strong, have complicated medical responses as doctors treat the injured.
Seismic history raises concerns
The Philippines lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity. Monday's quake originated from the Cotabato Trench, which caused a deadly 1976 tsunami that killed around 5,000 people.
"These areas have experienced strong earthquakes before. This is one of the strongest," Solidum said.
